His second chance

Ch. 8 (Revised)

 *Narrator's POV*

        William stations himself between the twins as Marcus gazes, completely transfixed by his revealed features. He was perfect in his eyes. Every out-of-place hair gently framed the human's blue eyes.

        The king, who had been previously lazy and apathetic, was now filled with a multitude of feelings, and his instincts demanded him to approach his mate; hide him away for his eyes only.

        His possessive thought process was interrupted by the continuation of court by Aro, who gazed questioningly at his now mobile co-ruler.

        "It is difficult for me to understand, even now." Aro glances at the couple's faces and Edward's arm holding Bella. "How can you stand being close to her?"

        "It is not without effort." Was the younger's short, but blunt reply.

        Marcus rolled his eyes at the dramatic scene and instead turned his focus to his more interesting mate, who was making subtle faces at the Cullens along with the twins. Aw, they made a friend!

        "But still—la tua cantante! What a waste!" Aro laughed.

        "I see it more as a price." Edward mused without humor.

        ...

        William's eyes were focused on the two kids beside him, his mind kept going back to the brunette-haired brother, looking him up and down with interest. Something about the taller man just dazzled him.

        Aro's sudden voice then caught his attention as he turned to the small girl next to him. He tried to keep his voice in a low whisper, not wanting to distract everyone.

        "What does la tua cantante mean?"

        Jane glanced at the man surprised before relaxing into a calming small smile. Not many have ever spoken willingly to her directly.

        "It means that she is his blood singer."

        He is confused, but looks around and notices that almost everyone in the room had red eyes and abnormally pale complexions.

        Ah, they were vampires.

        He nods with a quiet "oh" before turning back to what his sister had managed to get herself into. What next, werewolves too?

        ...

        "How I have missed dear Carlisle! Only he was far less angry." Aro starts with a laugh but is slightly dragged out to the end.

        "Carlisle outshines me in many ways."

        "I'd never thought that I would see Carlisle be bested for self-control of all things, but you have managed to put him to shame." Aro holds his hands together, hovering above his chest.

        "Hardley true." Edward still sounded bored, but his tense shoulders gave away his true emotions.

        He wanted to leave this place.

        "I am gratified by his success," Aro mused. "Your memories of him are quite a gift to me. I had expected that he would waste and weaken with time. Somehow, I'm happy to be wrong."

        Edward stayed silent as William stared him down with cold, calculating eyes.

        "But your restraint!" Aro sighed. "I did not know such strength was possible. To insure yourself not just once but repeatedly. If I had not felt it myself, I would not have believed it."